Advocates representing all accused in the case were present. The two-hour discussions centered round working out a strategy for the accused.

New BJP President L K Advani could not attend due to other urgent engagements. The court had acquitted Advani, then deputy prime minister, but decided to frame charges against the other accused, including Joshi.

The VHP has been highly critical of the BJP for abandoning Hindutva. It leader Praveen Togadia had accused Advani of 'betraying' Hindus.